Hamilton American Legion Open House is Saturday

Hamilton's American Legion Ravalli Post 47 started up only months after the national American Legion was created - 100 years ago. Post Commander Ruth Cook told KLYQ that Saturday, October 26, the post at 322 South Second Street in Hamilton will have an open house from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. There will be history displays and snacks, along with a silent auction.

The hall has undergone a "freshening up" both inside and out this year. The many layers of wax have been removed from the floor, which gives the hall new look. The outside walls have been repaired and repainted, with help from the Trapper Creek Job Corps, and the outside sidewalks and parking areas have been repaired. More work is needed, especially on the roof, and money from the silent auction will go toward that project. Commander Cook said historic uniforms from past conflicts will be on display, courtesy of the Ravalli County Museum. She also said historic photos and WWII scrapbooks from the Hamilton Post's past will be on hand. A World War II portrait project is underway, with many individual photos needing identification. You can find out about that and the Ravalli Post's other projects, including Montana Boys State and the American Legion baseball team, the Bitterroot Red Sox. Other duties of the members - presenting the colors at various events; on Memorial Day, the members post crosses at veterans' graves in Hamilton and Grantsdale cemeteries.